American Idol 2012 has been one of the most competitive seasons yet. No night of the season was more tense that May 17th when the three semi-finalists were cut down to the two finalists. At this point, heading into the finals, Phillip Phillips had the most unique sound, Jessica Sanchez has been busy defining herself as the next Whitney Houston, and Joshua Ledet (the preacher’s son from Louisiana) had brought an old school R&B vibe to the show. Here’s more about who made it to the finals, which singer got sent home, and predictions about which talented performer is likely to win the final round (and why)…
On May 16th, live performances on American Idol 2012 were strong. But singers got mixed reviews from judges and mentor Jimmy on results night May 17th.
The hardest part of the competition is having to tell any one of these three singers their Idol journey has come to an end. Jennifer Lopez said she has never felt this way in all the years she’s watched the show because they are all so talented. Steven Tyler thanked them for having the courage to have a dream.
But ultimately, the feedback for each was as follows:
- Phillip Phillips singing a mellow but sexy Matchbox 20 song was a bust, but the Bob Seger tune was well done.
- Joshua Ledet sang a song by The Beatles and lost his fan base support.
- Jessica Sanchez sang a Mariah Carey tune and won more followers at the end (despite having been voted off and then saved by the celebrity judges earlier in the competition).
With only a few minutes left on the show, Ryan Seacrest revealed that 90 million people had voted — and Jessica Sanchez was safe. Phillip Phillips was also safe, headed to the finals. People watching were shocked to see Joshua Ledet eliminated, but everyone knows that he’ll be very successful on the American Idol concert tour. They also expect he will do quite well as a solo artist and there is no question he will be getting a recording contract.
Singing his last song “This Is A Mans World” by James Brown, he hugged all the judges while he was singing and did not miss a note. Bringing his mama on to the stage, it was a bittersweet moment on the American Idol sound stage for sure.
As for who is expected to win American Idol season 11, look for Jessica Sanchez to win. The energetic teen is from a military family and after her hometown visit to Chula Vista, California (where she met with and sang for so many soldiers) it will be very hard for Phil to beat her — even if he is better. She’ll be likely to get huge phone in and computer votes from soldiers, whereas Phillips simply has the vote of music lovers who are hungry for a new American Idol sound.
That’s why it is so sad to see Joshua Ledet go home now (during the semi-finals) — because he and Phillip Phillips, based on musical appeal alone, would have made an awesome singing competition in the final round. Jessica Sanchez is good and all, but her voice does nothing to harmonize with Phillip’s. If you like a big girlie voice that sounds like so many pop stars from the 80s forward, she’s the right girl… but if you value someone’s voice and sound for its unique tones, there is no way to ignore Phillip Phillips’ talent or quirky charisma.
Who do you think should have won American Idol 2012 and why? Sound off in the comments section below.